A Fermanagh woman accused of having a petrol bomb allegedly intended for civil disturbance has been returned for trial to crown court.

Joanne Elizabeth Ralph (30) from Mill Road, Newtownbutler is charged with possessing an article which was constructed or adapted for use in conjunction with inflammable liquid, namely a petrol bomb on 10 August 2019.


She appeared for committal proceedings before Enniskillen Magistrates Court sitting in Omagh, where a prosecuting lawyer said there is a case to answer.
During a previous hearing, police described finding items made up of beer bottles stuffed with rags, “Ready to be ignited and used. The likely use was to cause a civil disturbance”.


Prior to this Ralph had been stopped by police while driving in Dungannon, with two passengers onboard, all of whom were searched on unrelated matters. A subsequent search of her home allegedly uncovered 10 suspected petrol bombs.
Police said lines of enquiry included a potential attack on a Royal Black Preceptory parade in the Newtownbutler area or possible links to a drugs feud.


At the most recent hearing, Ralph declined to call witnesses or give evidence on her own behalf at this stage in proceedings.


District Judge Steven Keown remanded her on continuing bail which includes a ban on going within 100 metres of any band parade or loyal order parade.
She is to appear for arraignment at Dungannon Crown Court on 23 October